Africa must take its future into its own hands, economically, structurally, and strategically. That was the clear message from Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), as he opened the Bank’s 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan with a firm declaration that the continent can no longer rely on handouts and partial support from abroad.
Emphasizing that the continent has the talent, resources, and willpower to drive its own transformation, Adesina called for a decisive break from dependency. In his words: “This is no longer a time to depend on fragments of foreign aid. Africa must unlock its own resources, human, financial, natural, and build internal value chains that drive inclusive growth.”
Held under the theme “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development,” the meetings come at a time when global support for development is waning, and Africa faces growing pressure to mobilize internal capital amid shrinking aid, new trade barriers, and rising debt.
A Shared Vision for Transformation
President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, who officially opened the meetings, backed this call for self-determination. He acknowledged the turbulent years Africa has faced but credited the African Development Bank for preventing deeper collapse, calling its role indispensable under Adesina’s leadership.
In praising the AfDB’s impact, Ouattara stated: “Despite the challenges Africa has faced in recent years, it is clear that the situation would have been far worse without the African Development Bank’s intervention. You have revitalized this institution. Congratulations once again, my friend and dear brother.”
He added that while the continent’s growth has not yet reached the level needed to meet the demands of its people, it holds the keys to a turnaround. Ouattara urged African nations to invest boldly in social services and harness their own resources:
“Yet, with massive investments in social sectors and the strategic use of our vast resources, we can accelerate a true transformation.”
The Ivorian president also acknowledged the high standard Adesina has set at the Bank and expressed hope that the next AfDB president will sustain the momentum and expand the Bank’s influence globally.
A Decade of Impact, A Call for Continuity
As he prepares to step down, Adesina took stock of a decade of leadership that, by the numbers, was transformative. He reported that under his watch, the AfDB invested $102 billion, representing nearly half of the Bank’s total financing since its inception in 1964. That includes $55 billion in infrastructure, significant contributions to Mission300 (a bold initiative to electrify 300 million Africans by 2030), and $225 billion in investment interest mobilized through the Africa Investment Forum.
A Shift in Mindset
As Adesina closed his final annual meeting as AfDB President, he left the continent not just with figures and accolades, but with a challenge.
He reminded attendees that the true foundation for Africa’s success lies in self-belief and internal strength. For Adesina, this decade has not only been about projects and partnerships, but about rewriting Africa’s narrative, from one of reliance to one of resilience.
“We came a long way, and we did it all for Africa,” he said. “Africa is still standing. And Africa is standing tall.”
And in a deeply personal moment of reflection, he thanked his team, African leaders, and development partners for the trust they placed in him. Then he concluded with a sentiment that captured the passion behind his service:
“I earnestly gave Africa my heart, my mind, and my all… May Africa always thrive and shine, and may our light never grow dim.”
